As we move through the summer months, the UK recruitment market continues to tell a story of cautious optimism.
While many businesses remain mindful of economic uncertainty, hiring has by no means ground to a halt. Instead, employers are becoming more strategic, favouring flexible recruitment solutions while continuing to invest in high-quality talent where it matters most.
For employers and candidates alike, summer presents a valuable opportunity to reassess priorities, secure key talent and plan confidently for the second half of the year.
The UK hiring market remains resilient
Recent labour market data suggests that while permanent hiring has softened compared to previous years, there are encouraging signs that confidence is gradually returning. The decline in permanent placements eased during June, while temporary billings recorded their strongest growth in more than three years as businesses increasingly turned to flexible hiring solutions.
The latest Office for National Statistics figures also show UK vacancies have continued to decline year-on-year, reflecting a more measured approach to recruitment rather than a lack of demand for skilled professionals. Employers are taking longer to hire, focusing on business-critical appointments and seeking candidates who can add immediate value.
This measured approach is particularly evident across business support functions, where experienced Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers and Operations professionals remain highly sought after.
Candidates continue to prioritise more than salary
While salary remains a significant driver for professionals considering a move, our latest Bain and Gray Salary Survey highlights a broader shift in candidate expectations.
Our survey found that salary remains the number one priority when evaluating a new opportunity, closely followed by career progression and company culture. Enhanced maternity pay, private healthcare, wellbeing initiatives and pension contributions continue to rank among the most valued employee benefits, demonstrating that today's professionals are taking a more holistic view of their careers.
Hybrid working also remains firmly established. Only around 11% of respondents reported working fully remotely, while approximately 30% now work from the office three days per week, reinforcing that flexibility has become the new standard rather than an added benefit.
The growing adoption of AI within the workplace is another notable trend. Microsoft Copilot emerged as the most commonly used workplace AI tool among our respondents, with ChatGPT following closely behind. However, the majority of professionals reported using AI to enhance productivity and reduce administrative tasks rather than replace human expertise.
These findings reflect what we continue to see across the market every day: candidates are looking for organisations that offer purpose, progression and flexibility alongside competitive remuneration.
Summer creates opportunities for employers
Although summer has traditionally been viewed as a quieter recruitment period, it often provides employers with a significant advantage.
With many organisations delaying hiring decisions until September, those willing to recruit during July and August frequently encounter a less competitive talent market. Candidates who have been considering a move since the beginning of the year often use the summer to explore new opportunities before the autumn hiring rush begins.
For businesses planning growth later this year, securing talent now can significantly reduce time-to-hire and ensure teams are fully established ahead of a busy final quarter.
Why temporary hiring makes strategic sense
Perhaps the biggest trend emerging this summer is the continued rise of flexible hiring.
As economic conditions remain unpredictable, businesses are increasingly choosing temporary professionals, fixed-term contracts and temp-to-perm solutions to balance agility with business continuity.
Temporary recruitment offers several advantages:
- Immediate cover for annual leave, parental leave and sickness.
- Additional support during seasonal peaks or project work.
- The opportunity to assess long-term fit before making a permanent offer through a temp-to-perm arrangement.
- Greater flexibility while business priorities evolve.
For many organisations, a temporary professional can quickly become an invaluable long-term member of the team once hiring confidence returns.
Looking ahead
While the UK recruitment market continues to evolve, the outlook for the second half of 2026 is increasingly encouraging. Employers remain selective, but the demand for exceptional business support professionals has not disappeared. Instead, hiring strategies have become more considered, with flexibility sitting at the heart of many recruitment decisions.
Whether you're planning permanent growth, exploring fixed-term contracts or looking to secure experienced temporary support over the summer, acting now can provide a valuable competitive advantage before hiring activity accelerates in the autumn.
At Bain and Gray, we continue to support businesses with permanent, temporary, contract and temp-to-perm recruitment solutions across London. If you're considering your hiring plans for the months ahead, our specialist consultants are here to help you find the right solution for your business.
Explore further blogs:
Behind the Desk: Why Summer Is the Ideal Time for Career Reflection and Change
How Top Assistants Maintain Productivity During Summer Slowdowns
